[net.poems] Merrit Malloy

mem (10/20/82)

c
                        Butterfly Collection
                                    by Merrit Malloy

                     It's that feeling
                     In the pit of the stomach
                     We call it butterflies...

                     It doesn't happen often
                     But Santa Claus
                     Can do it
                     When you're four

                     And certain men
                     Can catch you by surprise
                     Nearly scare you
                     Half to death
                     With no more
                     Than
                     Their eyes...

                     Labor pains
                     Can do it
                     Especially if they're yours
                     I've heard that people
                     Get them most
                     Just outside
                     Front doors

                     They say that Dorothy had them
                     On her way to Oz
                     And phones...
                     Oh yes
                     They're a common cause

                     So add to your collection
                     It's harder now than then
                     The more you live
                     The less they come
                     And sometimes
                     Not again